Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Tito — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:53:51 GMT

Michael Jackson died!!??

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

MSierra, SF — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:54:00 GMT

'...California is progressive in social policy and tax policy, and they are issuing IOU's. How long until the Feds have to do the same?"
Tom Cooper, Germantown MD

Hey Tom - While California is more progressive in social issues we do not have a progressive tax system any longer. The conservatives have screwed up our budgeting process with their supermajority nonsense for raising taxes and we have a repugnant one governor who protects himself and his rich and greedy Tinseltown pals from paying higher taxes....'

Thanks, Eric

You might also have mentioned that Arnold's repeal of the Vehicle License Fee increase belw a $5 Billion yearly hole in the budget
We've never recovered from that deficit, $5 Billion a year

We REALLY need to amend Prop 13

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Get Over Yourselves — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:54:30 GMT

Boner, Cantor, et al are once again putting the hypo- in -crite today. Nobody said a damn thing when nobody could even get into a Bush "rally" unless you were pre-screened. And now all the screamers are flexing their faux-outrage mini-muscles over the fact that Fox News doesn't get to dominate every news conference or town hall meeting that Obama holds. Shut up already or go scream at a wall...

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Altona Roberterson, Atlanta — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:55:28 GMT

Anyone see The Reverend Al Sharpon grinding with a young lass during a dance at MJs celebration at the Apollo the other night?

Mercy!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

DRoss, California — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:57:15 GMT

Black, white, Girl, boy. Walking forwards, walking backwards. Nose, no nose. All at the same time. Michael Jackson covered it all.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

giveitup — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:57:33 GMT

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Eric, Salinas, CA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:57:41 GMT

I'm glad that President Obama had a sane approach to MJ's death, something the media has failed to do with it's incessant overblown coverage. I had to laugh when Dr. Nancy Snyderman reported that 64% thought that the media's coverage was overblown, then she goes off on a tangent yapping about it so I changed the channel.

I think Obama has been respectful of MJ's death and berieved family, it's the media who is being disgusting in trying to ride his death coattails to higher ratings when all they're doing is ignoring presenting the real news the majority wants to hear. Time for the media to be more respectful not only to MJ and his family but to us viewers who want to hear the real news that really matters.

In Obama We Trust!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

DC Guy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:58:07 GMT

I would imagine, just like with everything else, that Barry is "Deeply concerned" over this development.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

justwaitandsee — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:59:13 GMT

Dumb a** Question.

Reporters please stop being lazy and petty

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Lawrence Capptone, NC — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:02 GMT

See where Helen Thomas, yes Helen Thomas, got peeved at Bobby Gibbs yesterday for the Obama administration staging everything? What a sight to see!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Jonathan Flint, mi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:42 GMT

Maybe I'm just thinking out loud here, but if I was famous I wouldn't a lot of hoopla over my passing (even if it was before my time). I mean I liked Jackson's music (although I'm only 26 so I don't get the full effect I'm sure), but I'm probably in the minority here when I say we are making a too big of a deal out of it.

-----------------------------------------------------
from an earlier post

Eric,

Did a libertarian burn you with a cigarette lighter or something when you were a kid? If so I'm really sorry that happened to you...if not, Geez Man.

I think this will be the last time I respond to anything you post we seem to get nowhere anyway. Feel free to continue to criticize me though.

First, to lump every libertarian's motivation for joining the party into one pool of motivation is quite funny to me. "The party of individualism is actually just the party of cheap bastards?" Thanks for the generalization.

Second, you get all wound up over something I say, and in this case quote an intriguing study from Portugal, and then finish with the "libertarians don't believe in that, however, because they are just cheap." The drug war issue is probably something we agree on, but you have a problem with your perception of my motivation...is that correct?

If you want to prove me wrong then by all means do it, but don't get going and then just cop out at the end. I don't even know how to respond to calling me a cheapskate. Would you like to see my tax forms to check how much I give to charity per annum?

I guess I would combat your claims by saying, yes we think the federal government should be cheapskates. They should tighten their belts. They spend too much money that we don't have. I care about it because these policies affect everyone. I won't apologize for caring about monetary policy because it affects everyone. I won't apologize for speaking out against government sponsored corporate cronyism because it affects everyone.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

NK Cole — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:44 GMT

Who's Michael Jackson?

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

no joe, no bo, nj — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:59 GMT

Okay, I'm taking Obama's side on this one. Are we really going to criticize his comments on Farrah Fawcett's passing? How about what he had to say about Ed McMahon? Or Billy Mays?

The man in the President of the United States,not the lead anchor on Entertainment Tonight.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Obama is full of it — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:02:31 GMT

Oh I see, Obama is trying to have it both ways again. Great entertainer but troubled. Trying to please everyone with his BS AS USUAL. What a jackass Obama is.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Ron Indiana — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:04:20 GMT

Well said Mr. President.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Well....go on.....you know you want to...... — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:08:55 GMT

And let's hear the GOP tear him down for taking time to speak about Jackson when there is more pressing work to be done.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Patrick Dove — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:12:57 GMT

FR: " I think his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and in many ways sad personal life."

That's the first line in Obie's obit too.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Bethie in TX — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:14:14 GMT

MJ was a amazing performer. But Obama has a lot on his plate right now, and I don't think MJ's family feels slighted. What more should Obama do? He can't have a special news conference for every celebrity that passes on.

BTW, I am hearing good discussions going on in the debate over health care reform. We need to hear from all sides--our country has resourceful, intelligent, creative people of all stripes.

The biggest problem may be that some people don't see that our current system is breaking down. They think everything is just fine. . .they must live very isolated lives. Or walk around with blinders on. Or choose not to care about the single mother of two kids, working full-time, who is unable to pay for insurance. She hasn't been to the doctor in six years because she can't afford to pay for a visit. To afford her company's insurance ($200.00/mo.), she'd have to take on another job. But that would mean paying for more childcare. It's a vicious cycle. Meanwhile, she suffers through days of pain from migraine headaches because she can't afford to go to the doctor to get her prescription for pain medication renewed. She makes too much to receive low-cost treatment from the county clinic (although her kids get care through the SCHIP). When I see her at church, trying to sing through the pain, I wonder what is wrong with our wealthy country. Why can't we figure out this puzzle?

This issue--health care reform--is not a Democrat or a Republican or a Liberterian issue. It's an American one. It's also an ethical one that can't be ignored.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Timmy, S. Park CO — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:14:14 GMT

Obama saw how much Jackson was worth, and he asked an aide "We still have that death tax, right?"

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Nashville_fan — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:17:10 GMT

We've got alot of problems in this world . . . the President's response to Michael Jackson's death is not one of them.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Tim, DC — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:17:28 GMT

What does the "black community" want him to do? Build a temple? I think the President's response was appropriate. Besides, he has more pressing matters to attend to.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

eagle1776 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:19:46 GMT

Wasn't respectful enough? What the heck do they want? They're lucky the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES would have anything at all to say about a mere entertainer. Sure Jackson was popular and so on but is it the obligation of the POTUS to kiss the derrierre of every member of a certain community or the deceased's family to be considered respectful? Good grief!!

Who in the African-American community is complaining anyway? Al Sharpton? Jesse Jackson? Joe Jackson? I doubt any are but someone, maybe one person, had a small opinion one time and the MSM makes it look like the President has dissed the entire world. Get a grip people! Enough of the much ado about nothing.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Rick, NC — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:21:30 GMT

He was a pedophile for chrissakes...Jackson I mean

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Jody, Iowa — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:22:38 GMT

Not having much luck today. My timing must be off, that and being busy will do it. I had some good thoughts, too. oh, well.
Pres Obama has been respectful of Michael Jackson's death. I haven't heard the criticism but if people have said he hasn't been, well, they are being a bit shallow. He is the President and he is busy. His comment earlier was fine. Although Jackson was a tremendous talent, I'm not quite sure I agree totally with the barriers he supposedly broke. I grew up listening to Motown, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, etc. and never paid any attention to what color their skin was; I liked their music, I bought the records; some areas like concerts and video he did but not all. Celebrating his music is fine but he was a tragic figure and suddently elevating him to hero status seems a bit much.

In case this gets posted and I miss later on--Happy July 4th!! Enjoy your weekend.
As always lots of good comments, most of them anyway. My family is headed to the cabin on the Mississippi for our annual family 4th. Looks like the weather will be perfect.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Charlie — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:24:26 GMT

How about making a comment on Farrah Faucett? After all, she only died of cancer after courageously battling it for several years...I think that kind of courage and legacy is way more important and meaningful than fawning over a suspected child molester!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

justthinkinoutloud — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:30:04 GMT

I don't now about anyone else, but I have had enough of MJ, this 24hr coverage is over the top, enough already.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Stella, Denver — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:31:32 GMT

"Not respectful enough"? For Michael Jackson? President Obama isn't respectful enough to those in the armed services and people of faith - he and congress offend some class of people every day. You want respect? Take a number and get in the teleprompter line.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

jawillie Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:35:01 GMT

June '09 Dead Pool:
David Carradine
Ed McMahon (sp?)
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Fred Travalina
Billy Mays

July '09 Dead Pool
Karl Malden

And yet the prez is supposed to make a special effort for Michael Jackson? WTF! I liked MJ too, but at this point I'm really getting sick of all of the tabloid coverage.

And I haven't noted any perception of a slight on the part of the Black community either. I always find it interesting how people who have probably never entered a black neighborhood in their lives somehow believe they have insight into the black community.

http://jawillie.blog.com

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Obama is FOS — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:36:00 GMT

Keep waiting and focus on why is Obama not able to lead as he said he could? Why all the lies in the campaign? He fooled many of us didn't he? Were you one of those deceived?
Cathy, Charlotte (Sent Thursday, July 02, 2009 11:52 AM)

Absolutely not. I voted for Hillary Clinton. I knew Obama was FOS.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

J. Seinfeld — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:41:30 GMT

I hear that instead of burying Jackson, since he's mostly made of plastic, they're gonna melt him down and turn him into Leggos...this way, kids can play with him now.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

JC from IA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:41:36 GMT

Was that inane question from an AP reporter? On what did the questioner base this "apparent perception"?

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Feisty Brownhair — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:47:45 GMT

Excluding the rising unemployment numbers and the dropping in the polls for Obama, Sotomayor and the democrats, it must be a real slow newsday.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Micayla Delarber, Kansas City, MO — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:48:37 GMT

Michael Jackson will be from now until the end of the earth the king of pop and a legend to most that knew him. He is one of the best things that has happened the music world. Obama is worried more about his troops and his country with the upcoming holiday (4th of July). No one should accuse him for not caring

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

St. Eleutherius of Nicomedia — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:50:21 GMT

Maybe President Obama will ask Rev. Wright to hold a prayer vigil for Michael. Have Rev. Wright pray for the millions of unemployed Americans while he is at it because they don't have a prayer with Obama.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

TA IL — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:52:17 GMT

Is the AP serious?!? President Obama has far more pressing, urgnet matters in the country to tend to besides crying about Micheal Jackson. My thoughts go to MJ Family, but let the President be the President without everyone making an issue about whether the President was respectful enough about MJ's death.
Good Grief!!!!!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

No love for MJ - he was guilty! — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:52:49 GMT

When Farrah Faucet met St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he said she was such a good and courageous person, that she was granted one wish from the Big Guy...Farrah wished to save all the children of world...seconds later, Michael Jackson died, thereby fulfilling Farrah's wish!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Huckleberry Fran — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:00:53 GMT

I'm Sorry about MJ too BUT... PRESIDENT OBAMA has many duties on his AGENDA. He did the appropriate thing by MJ and his family. "The apparent perception" in the black community?!?!. MSM and MSNBC Chuckie Todd, are still marginalizing ANY black man of stature. The only BLACK men they care to mention or "think they know" is Al Sharpton and Jessie J.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Jay Jones — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:09:05 GMT

Jonathan Flint: Thank you for presenting differing views thoughtfully and respectfully. We need more of that on this site.

Eric, though I may agree with you on many things, I had to stop reading your posts long ago because I find all the name-calling too offensive. As Jonathan said - Geez, man!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:11:10 GMT

I'd have to agree with the President. Just a great entertainer but personal life was extremely bizarre and should not be emulated!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

giveitup — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:11:12 GMT

See where Helen Thomas, yes Helen Thomas, got peeved at Bobby Gibbs yesterday for the Obama administration staging everything? What a sight to see!
Lawrence Capptone, NC (Sent Thursday, July 02, 2009 2:00 PM)

Indeed. I personally though Bill Maher's comments were brilliant. When is Obama going to do something, anything? Except stare into a camera for a staged performance. Obama gives new meaning to the word phony. He's plastic. God I wish another democrat won, any of them would have been better than this full of himself, arrogant moron.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Chris - IL — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:12:30 GMT

It is sad and pathetic to me that the death of an entertainer is politicized!

Who cares what President Obama, George W Bush, Bill Clinton, or anyone else said or didn't say? The man died too young.

It is not a political story and shouldn't be.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Sean — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:14:30 GMT

This question was asked only because of Race.

Is that not Race Baiting?

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Sharon IL — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:16:45 GMT

Oh I see, Obama is trying to have it both ways again. Great entertainer but troubled. Trying to please everyone with his BS AS USUAL. What a jackass Obama is.
Obama is full of it (Sent Thursday, July 02, 2009 2:02 PM)
-------------
Evidently, you don't agree? You think MJ was NOT a great entertainer, and also NOT troubled? Or are you just picking anything you can to bitch about?

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Cathy M, Newport, KY — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:18:52 GMT

Dancing around as usual for Obama. Bill Clinton called the Jackson family upon learning of Michael Jackson's death. Obama is plastic. Obama is full of himself. God forbid he do, or say, something that may piss off someone. Obama always wants it both ways. He'll be exposed for the self-centered man he is soon. Unfortunately, the GOP will benefit. Thanks Obama. Why he ran I'll never figure out. Not qualified and hasn't done anything since he has been in office. What a fraud. "giveitup"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Let me see - he's doing too much, he's not doing enough, he's too weak, he's pushing things down people's throats, he should take care of the wars, the economy, the social ills, healthcare, he should fix everything - For the last 8 years, it didn't matter what the people wanted, we were so used to having the the government (congress) and the President do nothing, except preemptive wars, running over our constitution, lying, lining the pockets of big business, and slamming everything through, not allowing it to be a participatory process. You don't even understand that he is waiting, giving enough time for people to participate in the process - us people, should congress fart around and get nothing done. As to Michael Jackson's death, I believe he responded - with class and dignity instead of the circus that happens on the 24 hours news cycle. I guess that's not hillbilly enough for you - oh, that's right, he's such an elitist.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Joanne R. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:21:51 GMT

Our president acknowledged his greatness and also his troubled life. Why do people have to criticize him for the truth. This country is basically dammned if you do and damed if you don't.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Monkberry Moon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:27:48 GMT

Did Obama also say that Jackson was a drug addict with 25+ needle marks in his arms when he died? Did he say that Jackson "begged" a nurse for knock out drugs that are ONLY allowed to be used in hospitals?

Michael Jackson died a drug addict. Face it and celebrate it.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Jeff westmont IL. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:34:25 GMT

no joe, no bo, nj
for months you have left less that kind post about the president, well i have found that you do have a heart, and thing i have said in the past about you will be forgotten(for a few days).

Good come back, i can't beleive i'm writing this but your right, he is president of the united states!!!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

mskendle71, indpls. in — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:35:14 GMT

No matter what President Obama says or does, it is always some haters out there that critize. Gawd, yall get on my nerves...shut the hell up!!!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Bad Chihuahua — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:47:18 GMT

Did Obie say anything at all about Farrah Fawcett?

With all the celebs going down in the last 9 or 10 days I was wondering if he just limited his words to Jackson.

A simple yes or no will do?

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

giveitup — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:48:37 GMT

Cathy M, Newport, KY (Sent Thursday, July 02, 2009 3:18 PM)

You misunderstood, he is not doing ANYTHING! Clearing it up for ya!

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

Peter Percival Patterson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:53:30 GMT

Why does Jackson and Sharpton have to be involved in this?

Oh, that's right. It's a black thing.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

D'oh! — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:54:45 GMT

And let's hear the GOP tear him down for taking time to speak about Jackson when there is more pressing work to be done. Well....go on.....you know you want to...... (Sent Thursday, July 02, 2009 2:08 PM)
----------------------------------------------------

Yeah what's next...golfing with Tiger Woods??

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

John, Nashville, TN — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:57:12 GMT

The question is stupid ... so why dwell on the answer to it?

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

TEC-Spring-TX — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:26:34 GMT

A life unbearable is a life not livable. When all of your glory is behind and the future is bleak, the candles burn slower and are soon to go out. What a wild ride Jackson had, on a white horse in a black hat. The performer was great on the playing field, but tortured in private. Mike was more than a flash in the pan, but wanted to live in never land. May god rest his trouble soul. Fame has taken a might toll.

Obama on Michael Jackson's death

MOB,Longmont,CO — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:39:42 GMT

How idiotic to say Obama isnot doing anything - GW had most of his first yr spent on vaca - Obama is going down the list of promises he made during the campaign and TRYING to do the best he can on EVERYONE of them - it is NOT possible to keep all promises made - yet he has done more than ANY prez in my memory in the 1st 6 months of being prez - Obama haters should get a clue oh wait your all just partisan idiots - sorry for you ...